When most people think of dangerous addictions, the first thing that comes to mind is heavy drugs or gambling. However, the reality is that technology can be incredibly addictive, and even destructive if you don’t use it wisely. Many people don’t realize how addictive technology can be because it’s such an integral part of so many important parts of our lives. We assume that if we use something for work, then it must be “harmless.”
But the truth is that the average human spends as many as 10 hours a day connected to a screen. Does this sound like you? If you’re not sure whether you may be addicted or not, here are some of the telltale warning signs that you just might be.
Your Schoolwork is Suffering
If you’re a student who uses technology regularly, and you’ve noticed that technology has started being a bigger priority for you than your schoolwork, then it may be time to ditch the screens and hire a tutor. Your education is an extremely important part of your future. In order to ensure you secure a solid career, and reach your future goals, school is incredibly important.
Instead of turning straight to screens when you get home from school, make a commitment to do your homework first. You can reward yourself with screen time for completed work later. When you start to see technology as a reward rather than a necessity, it can change your attitude towards your work.
Phantom Vibrations
Do you ever get the sensation that your phone just vibrated in your pocket only to find that it didn’t? Phantom vibrations are a real thing. They are a form of anxiety or fear that you’re going to miss out on important news. Compulsive phone checking is a big red flag when it comes to identifying technology addiction. Make a point of turning your phone completely off at least once a day. See how you react. If you can’t stop thinking about what you’re missing out on while your phone’s off, then it may be time to start accepting that you may have a problem. This feeling can make you feel very jittery, so if you are serious about having time away from your phone, but keep getting anxious, you may want to look into ways that you can combat this. Doing breathing exercises, taking something like CBD gummies UK, as well as distracting yourself, can all lead to spending that time away from your phone.
Scrolling While Doing Other Things
If you ever watch TV or have a conversation with a friend, yet find yourself simultaneously scrolling for no apparent reason, then this is a sign of unhealthy multitasking. When you’re doing too many things at once, you’re not really committed to one thing at all. Spreading your attention to thin means that you’re never really present where you are. Make a commitment to be totally connected to whatever you’re doing. If you need to look at your phone, then stop what you’re doing, look at your phone, and put it down again.